Vitamin D Deficiency: New Research Shows a Link With COVID-19

New data indicates a link between Vitamin D deficiency and your chances of being diagnosed with COVID-19

Robert Brown, of the McCarrison Society, a nutrition think tank, told The Times that: 'Six studies and our own research have found lower rates of Covid-19 mortality in patients and populations with lower levels of D deficiency'

Social and economic factors are also at play, here – adequate levels of Vitamin D, however, will not protect you from the virus

Fresh data suggests that there could be a link between Vitamin D deficiency and your chances of being diagnosed with COVID-19. Known as the 'sunshine vitamin,' as it's produced when rays hit your skin, the hormone plays a role in your immune system's response to infection.

The study, which has yet to be peer-reviewed, comes from Surrey and Southampton universities. Blood samples were compared from 1,300 adults in the UK, 580 of whom had tested positive for COVID-19.

The results, which were published in The Times, found that Vitamin D deficiencies correlated with groups who are disproportionately at risk of the coronavirus: the elderly, people from a black and minority ethnic (BAME) background and those with a high BMI.

Levels of the vitamin in white people were found to typically be 53% higher than in BAME people. People in the 'healthy weight' category were found to have 25% more than obese people.

Important note: with all of these groups, there are myriad possible social and economic reasons as to why they are at greater risk of the virus. Any potential Vitamin D link stands to be a slice of the puzzle.

Read up on why BAME people might be more likely to be severely affected by the novel coronavirus, and why the same is true for obese people.

Why are some people more likely to be deficient in Vitamin D than others?

People from BAME background are more likely to be deficient in Vitamin D – research has shown that darker skin synthesises Vitamin D from sunlight less efficiently. This is exacerbated in the UK as there is less sunlight than warmer countries.

Those with a BMI over 30 are more likely to have lower levels of Vitamin D. According to the NHS website, it's thought that the vitamin could get 'trapped' in excess fat tissue, leaving less of it to circulate in the blood.

Is there enough evidence to draw a link between low levels of Vitamin D and COVID-19?

Prof Keith Neal, Emeritus Professor in the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, University of Nottingham, said: 'There is some evidence that Vitamin D supplements reduce the risk of respiratory virus infections and there is good evidence that Vitamin D deficiency impairs the immune system'.

However, experts have warned that this does *not* mean Vitamin D supplements alone will protect you from COVID-19. Oliver van Hecke, a lecturer at Oxford University’s Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, told the Times: 'The evidence that having adequate levels of Vitamin D prevents you from contracting Covid-19 is not there'.

So, rather than being the one key factor in why some people are more likely to contract coronavirus than others, Vitamin D deficiency is one element of a bigger picture that encompasses genetic, social and lifestyle factors.

Is Vitamin D Deficiency serious?

It can be. Unlike other vitamins, Vit D behaves more like a hormone in your body – low levels wreak havoc on many internal systems.

You might notice this as feeling constantly tired, or even depressed. In review studies, researchers linked Vitamin D deficiency to poor mental health. Plus, new research in Journal of Affective Disorders highlights how women are more at risk of SAD than men.

Other known symptoms of low Vitamin D levels are thinning hair, lower back and muscle pain.

How much Vitamin D do you need?

When it comes to Vitamin D, there are five different types; but it’s Vitamin D3 that’s key.

'Aim for 10mcg of Vitamin D every day,' Hobson says. FYI, the average diet only manages 3mcg. 'And consume no more than 100mcg.'

Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and those who spend little time outside also have a greater risk of Vitamin D deficiency.

What are the symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency?

Compromised immunity

If you’re always feeling run down, with colds and flu then you might need to think about upping your Vitamin D intake. The vitamin is crucial to having a strong immune system due to its role interacting with infection-fighting cells.

Research in the British Medical Journal has found a link between a deficiency in Vitamin D and respiratory tract infections, so don’t just blame your hectic lifestyle for always feeling run down.

Being tired all the time

It’s easy to overlook feeling tired as a symptom of something more serious when you’re always on the go.

But research from The University of Newcastle shows a link with low levels of Vitamin D and lack of energy. Although, admittedly, those late-night Netflix marathons probably don't help either.

Bone pain

Achy bones might be a sign of insufficient vitamin D levels in the blood. It helps your body absorb calcium and so a lack of the vitamin may cause discomfort in everyday movements.

Muscle pain

If your DOMs is seemingly never-ending then it might be a sign of a lack of Vitamin D.

Whilst the cause of muscle pain can be hard to pinpoint, especially after leg day, one study found that 71% of people with chronic pain were found to be deficient of the vitamin.

What happens when you're Vitamin D deficient?

Where to start? Not only is Vitamin D essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the body – hello healthy bones and teeth – but it also helps to maintain muscle strength.

The University of Birmingham found that those with higher levels of Vitamin D had stronger, healthier muscles, and were less likely to carry excess body fat.

Vitamin D is also important for its role in boosting the immune system and fighting recurring infections such as bacterial vaginosis; preventing depression – a Vitamin D deficiency can increase your risk of the experiencing the condition by a third – and type 2 diabetes; and helping with the likes of asthma, MS and breast cancer.

So, why is it then that as many as 40% of you are low in the vitamin and heading for a potential vitamin D deficiency? It’s time to dose up.

How can you boost your Vitamin D levels?

'Vitamin D is often nicknamed as the 'sunshine vitamin' because the greatest source of Vitamin D comes from the sun,' says nutritionist Rob Hobson.

In the UK, it's likely that your intake of the 'sunshine vitamin' is likely already insufficient, thanks to living on a warmth-challenged island (according to national surveys, one in five people in the UK have low Vitamin D levels).

While the main source of Vitamin D is sunlight, there *are* other ways to get it. 'In theory, it is possible to get more than enough Vitamin D from your diet,' Hobson says.

'Their Vitamin D content is naturally enhanced in UV light. A study by the Penn State University found than when white mushrooms are exposed to UV light, they go from containing no Vitamin D to an incredible 824% of the RDA.' Magic.

However, 'In reality, your choice of Vitamin D foods is very limited. At most, it’s likely that you may be able to get up to 20% of your Vitamin D intake from food. The rest needs to come from sunlight – and Vitamin D supplements', he says.

12 Vitamin D foods to up your game

Raw herrings (140g) – Vitamin D count: 26mcg

Raw sardines (140g) – Vitamin D count: 15.4mcg

Raw trout (140g) - Vitamin D count: 14.8g

Pilchards canned in tomato source (1 can) - Vitamin D count: 14mcg

Raw kippers (140g) - Vitamin D count: 11.2mcg

Raw tuna (140g) – Vitamin D count: 10.8mcg

Raw salmon (140g) – Vitamin D count: 8.4mcg

Canned salmon (1/2 can) – Vitamin D count: 8mcg

Mushrooms (100g) – Vitamin D count: 5mcg

Two boiled eggs – Vitamin D count: 1.8mcg

Bran Flakes (30g) – Vitamin D count: 1.3mcg

Flora spread (15g) – Vitamin D count: 0.75mcg

What are the best Vitamin D supplements?

Given the difficulties in meeting – let alone beating – the recommended guidelines for Vitamin D in the UK, this is one vitamin that it is worth supplementing.

And even more so during the autumn and winter months when the sun is weaker and less readily available. 'The best benchmark,' says Hobson, ‘is to start taking a Vitamin D supplement when the clocks go back in the winter, and to stop when they go forward in the spring.'

Disclaimer: The information in this story is accurate as of the publication date. While we are attempting to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, the situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic continues to develop rapidly, so it's possible that some information and recommendations may have changed since publishing. For any concerns and latest advice, visit the World Health Organisation. If you're in the UK, the National Health Service can also provide useful information and support, while US users can contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Cut through the noise and get practical, expert advice, home workouts, easy nutrition and more direct to your inbox. Sign up to the WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWSLETTER .

Abigail BuchananAbigail is WH’s fashion assistant who joined the team after graduating with a MA in Journalism at City, University of London.

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